Local Buzz
While Lower Dharamshala is a busy mishmash of markets, and tourist spots, Upper Dharamshala is serene.
Tibet Connection
A 20-minute drive uphill from Dharamshala is the 1 Tsuglagkhang Complex, better known as the Dalai Lama Temple. Besides being the official residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, this sprawling complex in 2 McLeod Ganj also houses the Tsuglagkhang Temple. The numerous prayer wheels and statues of Buddha here attract throngs of followers and tourists. 3 Namgyal Monastery ( namgyal. org) is the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet and trains 200 monks. The 4 Tibet Museum houses photos and videos on the Chinese invasion of Tibet and the locals’ subsequent struggle. 5 Kalachakra Temple is an architectural marvel featuring stunning frescoes of Kalachakra (Wheel of Time), and traditional thangka paintings on its walls. 6 The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives ( tibetanlibrary.org) holds 80,000 manuscripts and 600 Buddhist artefacts, making it one of the pioneering institutions for Buddhist studies and research in India.
Natural Splendour
A two-kilometre trail from McLeod Ganj square, along a cliff face with splendid views of the mountains and valleys around, makes for a great short hike to the gushing 7 Bhagsunag Waterfall. The pristine 8 Dal Lake is a 10-minute drive from the square; fringed with towering deodars, it offers boating facilities and scenic picnic spots along its banks.
Noteworthy Landmarks
One of the highest sports grounds in the world, the 9 Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium ( hpcricket.org) in Dharamshala sits pretty at a height of 1,433 metres, against the magnificent backdrop of surrounding mountains. Nestled in the deodar forests of Forsyth Ganj, is the hauntingly beautiful 10 St. John in the Wilderness Church, built in neo-Gothic style. Housed in an elegant bungalow, the 11 War Memorial was built as a tribute to those brave souls who sacrificed their life for the country. The 12 Kangra Art Museum features a collection of Tibetan and local Kangra arts, including the Chamba Rumal embroidery.